Janaki Rural Municipality birthing centre building in limbo

By Siraj Khan,Nepalgunj, Jan. 2: A birthing centre building in Janaki Rural Municipality–5 of Banke district has been halted due to the negligence of the construction company. The delay has raised serious concerns about access to maternal health services in the area.

The project, estimated to cost around Rs 12.5 million, was contracted to Parbati Badimalika JV nearly two years ago with a completion deadline of one and a half years.

However, even six months after the contract period expired, the contractor has completed only the foundation and has since become unreachable.

According to Janaki Rural Municipality, the project was initiated under a special programme in the fiscal year 2023/24 and was scheduled to be completed by 4 July 2025. 

Rural Municipality Chairperson Chhabban Khan said delays in a sensitive sector like maternal health are unacceptable and that the contractor has been given strict instructions to complete the building as soon as possible.

Chief Administrative Officer Parasuram Upadhyay said the municipality takes the delay seriously as the contractor failed to work even after the contract ended.

He also said a public notice has been issued through the media asking the contractor to submit a written explanation within 15 days, warning that legal action will follow if work does not resume as agreed.

Chairperson of Ward No. 5, Tikanath Yadav, said that if the building had been completed on time, women in the ward would have access to safe maternity services locally.

He added that despite repeated follow-ups, the contractor’s irresponsibility has left locals frustrated.

Due to the delay, pregnant women are now forced to travel to the district headquarters, Nepalgunj, once labour pains begin.

This journey has proven risky, especially for poor women and those without easy access to transportation.

Local woman Sita Yadav shared that she faced serious difficulties due to the lack of transport during childbirth.

She said such hardships could have been avoided if the birthing centre building had been operational in the ward.

With the contractor remaining out of contact for an extended period, the project has come to a complete standstill.

Locals have demanded immediate action against the contractor and the prompt resumption of construction work.